Brandy Yee, Ph.D.

About

Dr. Brandy Yee, Assistant Professor of Education and Director of Liberal Studies in Education Program and the Director of the Master of Education Program has 20 years of teaching and leadership experience at the K-12 level in elementary and middle schools (as well as district-based leadership experience) and at the post-secondary level with undergraduate and graduate students in universities in Canada, Germany and Finland. She continues to work as a consultant with education districts around the world as they look to create responsive models of schooling, relevant in a contemporary societal context. Dr Yee is a widely published author and a sought-after speaker at conferences, symposiums and workshops worldwide. She is a very curious learner and teacher, deeply interested in creating developmentally responsive classroom environments that foster student engagement, academic achievement and student well-being. 

As a university professor, she creates online and face-to-face opportunities for teachers and teachers in preparation to collaborate and inquire regarding how teaching and learning theory informs instructional and assessment practices to improve learning and wellness outcomes for all students, particularly students who are culturally diverse learners or who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Her PhD research examined the neurobiology of adolescent development and the interaction among leadership dimensions, instructional practices and student agency within the contexts of early adolescent learning and middle level learning environments in Finland, Germany and Canada.

Early in her career, she received the Edwin Parr Award for the most outstanding first-year teacher in her school district for her innovative instructional and assessment strategies and her exceptional duty of care for her middle school students and their families—and, she continues that work with her undergraduate and graduate university students. 

She currently serves on the board of the MATES Charter Schools and is the online content editor for the National Association for Partner Development Schools (NAPDS). Dr. Yee is a widely published educator and continues to work as an education consultant and advisor in several EU countries. 

Education

Bachelor of Kinesiology (BKin with Distinction and Gold Medal Winner) Marquette University/University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada

Exercise Physiology and Mind Sciences specializations

Bachelor of Education (BEd) - University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
Teaching specializations: Secondary Sciences, Secondary Mathematics, Health, and Secondary French
 
Master of Education (MEd) - University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
Educational Leadership specialization
 
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD Summa Cum Laude) - Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
Middle Years Pedagogy, Adolescent Psychology and Wellness, and Educational Leadership specializations

Expertise

• Neurobiology of adolescent development
• Instructional Design and Assessment
• Creating developmentally and culturally responsive learning environments
• Instructional Leadership and educational policy development
• Supporting in-service and pre-service teacher professional learning

Publications

Book

Yee, B. (in press). UnFinnished business: Leadership and learning lessons from Alberta and Finland. Cham, CH: Palgrave MacMillian.

Yee, B. (2024). Ethical pedagogical leadership. Cham, CH: Palgrave MacMillian.

Yee, B., Sliwka, A., & Rautiainen, M. (2018). Engaging adolescent learners: International perspectives on curriculum, pedagogy and practice. Cham, CH: Palgrave MacMillian.

Book Chapters

Sliwka, A., Klopsch, B., & Yee, B. (2016). Partnerschaft für schulerfolg und potenzialentwicklung: systematische kooperation zwischen schulen und eltern im kanadischen schulsyste. In Sliwka, A., & Frank, S. (Eds.), Eltern und Schule: Aspekte von Chancengerechtigkeit und Teilhabe an Bildung, 127-139. Beltz Verlag.

Translation: Partnership for school success and potential development: Systematic cooperation between schools and parents in the Canadian school system, in Parents and School: Aspects of Equity of Opportunity and Participation in Education.  

Refereed Journal Publications

Yee, B., Sliwka, A. Yin-Yung, E., & Buhler, J. (2025, February). Accepted Conference Workshop Proposal. Title: Shaping change – Creating conditions for deeper learning. International Congress on School Effectiveness and Innovation (ICSEI) Congress, University of Melbourne.

Yee, B., & Yee. D. (2025, February) Accepted Conference Symposia Proposal. Title: International perspective on ethical educational leadership. International Congress on School Effectiveness and Innovation (ICSEI) Congress, University of Melbourne.

Yee, B. (2024, March). Presented the paper “The NASUP Publications Committee: An overview of the present and a look to the future” at the National Association for School-University Partnerships annual conference in Anaheim, California. 

Yee, B, (2024, March). Presented research entitled, “Celebrating Identity: Empowering Young Learners through Name Stories” at the National Association for School-University Partnerships annual conference in Anaheim, California. 

Yee, B. (2023, March). NAPDS Conference Presentation. Conference Presentation at NAPDS, Jacksonville, FL. They are so ready - from research to praxis, SEL in the Kindergarten classroom.

Yee, B. (2023, April). ARC 2023, hosted by WASC. Anaheim, CA. Navigating student self-assessment and the gradual release of faculty control over the assessment process in higher education.

Yee, B. (2022, January). IAFOR International Education Conference Presentation. Responsive Education Systems for a Changing World.

Yee, B. (2021, November). Pathways to Equity, Excellence & Well-Being: Learning from High-Performing School Systems. Presented at EDUCON International Conference: The education summit for makers and leaders.

Yee, B. (2020, January). Engaging adolescent learners: Emerging perspectives on curriculum, pedagogy and practice. Presented at the International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement (ICSEI) 2020, Marrakesh, Morocco.

Yee, B. (2019, January). Using digital evidence to improve student learning and teacher practice.

Presented at the International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement (ICSEI) 2019, Stavanger, Norway.

Yee, B. (2019, January). Alberta school development planning: Innovative data-informed decision-making at provincial, district and school levels to improve teacher practice and student achievement, intellectual engagement and well-being. Presented at the International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement (ICSEI) 2019, Stavanger, Norway. 

Yee, B. (2019, January). Engaging adolescent learners: Perspectives on curriculum, pedagogy and Practice. Presented at International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement (ICSEI) 2016, Glasgow, Scotland.

Yee, B., Sliwka, A., & Rautiainen, M. (2016, January). Current international discourse in innovative educational practices. Presented at the International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement (ICSEI) 2016, Glasgow, Scotland.

Yee, B. (2016, April). Leading, teaching and learning “in the Middle”: Experiences, beliefs, and values of instructional leaders, teachers, and students in Finland, Germany, and Canada. Presented at the International Congress on Education and the Social Sciences in Venice, Italy. 

Yee, B. (2012, October). Understanding adolescent learners. Presented at the Alberta Middle Years Conference 2012, Banff, Canada.

Invited Lectures and Presentations

Yee, B. (May 2024). Public lecture entitled “Beyond 21st Century Learning – Creating Schools Where Today’s Students Thrive.”

Yee, B. (March 2024).  Presentation for the general assembly of members and the executive board of the German organization, Deutsche Telekom Stiftung, in preparation for the upcoming release of their magazine Sonar.

Yee, B. (November 2021). Live podcast interview with Stephan Bayer Founder. School Must Go On podcast.

Topic - Addressing the dynamic nature of education systems in a post-pandemic context.

Yee, B. (October, 2021). One County, One Book program. Keynote presenter. Reflection on the book, Your House Will Pay, as it connects to contemporary education contexts. 

Yee, B. (February, 2021). Neue Oberstufe – Development of the sixth form (grades 10-13) in a 21^st Century context. German School Academy. 

Yee, B. (February, 2021). Interview and publication for German Journal PLAN BD#03 Forum Bildung Digistalisierung. With journalist Anja Reiter.

Yee, B, & Yee, D. (October, 2018). Data-driven school development - the model of Canadian PISA winner Alberta. Lecture presented at Baden-Wurttemberg Ministry of Culture, Education and Sport, Stuttgart, Germany. https://km-bw.de/site/pbs-bw-new/get/documents/KULTUS.Dachmandant/KULTUS/KM-Homepage/Artikelseiten%20KP-KM/Qualitaetskonzept/Yee_Alberta-School-Accountability_Okt-2018.pdf

Yee, B. (January, 2018). Engaging students in learning for academic achievement and well-being. Lecture presented to the Werklund School of Education pre-service teacher program. 

Yee, B. (December, 2017). The Alberta school accountability framework and school development planning. Lecture presented to Stuttgart and Nurtingen State School Authorities, Stuttgart, Germany. 

Yee, B. (December, 2017). The Alberta school accountability framework and school development planning. Lecture presented to Tubingen and Albstadt State School Authorities, Pliezhausen, Germany.

Yee, B. (October, 2017). Teacher task design and assessment to engage all learners. Lecture presented to the Werklund School of Education pre-service teacher program. 

Yee, B. & Yee, D. (December, 2016). The Alberta school accountability framework and school improvement. Lecture presented to Baden-Wurttemberg State Institute for School Development, Stuttgart, Germany.

Yee, B. (July, 2015).  Factors contributing to developmentally responsive, intellectually engaging middle level learning environments for early adolescents. Research presented at Baden-Wurttemberg State Institute for School Development, Stuttgart, Germany, to principals of the new German Gemeinschaftsschule. 

Yee, B. (July, 2015).  Curriculum reform, inclusive philosophies, instructional design and assessment practices in effective middle years learning environments. Research presented at Universität Heidelberg Research Colloquium to faculty and graduate students.  

Yee, B. (July, 2014). Teacher task design and assessment to engage adolescent learners. Research presented at Universität Heidelberg Research Colloquium to faculty and graduate students.  

Yee, B. (July, 2014).  School leaders responding effectively to early adolescents and the middle years of learning.  Lecture presented at Universität Heidelberg in the Faculty of Behavioural and Cultural Studies, Institute for Educational Sciences. 

Yee, B. (July, 2014).  School leaders responding effectively to early adolescents and the middle years of learning. Lecture presented at the University of Jyväskylä in the Department of Teacher Education. 

Yee, B. (September, 2011). Student learning plans and learner profiles. Presented at Calgary Board of Education (CBE) System Opening to key stakeholders from Alberta Education and all CBE principals.

Yee, B. (July, 2011). Teaching and leading in effective middle schools. Presented at University of Calgary Summer Institute.

Professional Magazine Articles

Yee, B. (Spring, 2024).  Interview conducted by German Reporter, Daniel Schwitzer of the Deutsche Telekom Foundation appeared in Sonar, Germany’s largest education publication, created to provide relevant and timely information for the general public. The interview focused on embracing and capitalizing on diversity in education systems around the world. 

Yee, B. (Spring, 2016). In search of the middle school principal. Education Canada, 56(1). https://www.edcan.ca/articles/in-search-of-the-middle-school-principal/

Yee, B. (Spring, 2011). Setting their direction with student learning plans. CASS Connection. https://o.b5z.net/i/u/10063916/f/New%202012%20Files/Spring_2011.pdf

Grant Funding

The California Commission on teacher Credentialing recently awarded Dr. Brandy Yee a $500,000 grant for the purpose of expanding the current Integrated Teacher Preparation Program at Cal Lu. The integrated program provides students with the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Arts degree and a California teaching credential in four years. The focus of this grant at Cal Lu will be to expand and update the current four-year integrated program, targeting the identified shortages of credentialed teachers in the fields of special education, bilingual education, and transitional kindergarten/kindergarten. The project also aims to build on existing relationships with Oxnard and Moorpark Colleges, providing a pathway for students transferring from the community college system with a two-year associates degree to complete the remaining requirements for a bachelor’s degree and a teaching credential in two additional years.